President Shavkat Mirziyoyev
sincerely, wholeheartedly congratulated the Muslims of Uzbekistan, all
people with a holiday of mercy, kindness and spiritual generosity – the sacred
Ramadan Hayit.

On this joyful holiday we, first of
all, thank the Almighty for the present bright and prosperous days, said the
President.

I think that each of us is deeply
aware of special significance of this holiday, embodying such noble qualities
as manifestation of care and attention in a family, makhalla and society,
providing gratuitous assistance to those who need it, spiritual renewal, doing
good deeds, that completely consonant with the current policy in Uzbekistan,
noted the Head of the state in his statement.

From high international tribunes, Uzbekistan
forwarded a number of important practical initiatives on countering threats and
challenges that threaten all mankind on the basis of the principle of
“enlightenment against ignorance”. Thus, our proposal at the session of the
United Nations General Assembly on adoption of a special resolution
“Enlightenment and religious tolerance” is widely supported throughout the
world.

On this bright holiday the President
also sincerely congratulated people of the Muslim countries of the near and far
abroad, all friends, wished them peace, prosperity and progress.

As is known, our native Uzbekistan
today is at a new stage of development, the pace of renovation and
transformation is accelerating in all spheres. This year, three days of Ramadan
Hayit has been declared days off in the country. All this gives a special joy
to this holiday, fills with a deeper meaning and content, said the President of
Uzbekistan.

(Source: UzA)

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on June 15, 2018 - on the first day of
Ramadan Hayit celebration

On September 1, 2017, the Head of the state had visited the Hazrati Imam
complex in Tashkent,
where he gave instructions on construction, goals and tasks of the center. A
land of about 10 hectares was allocated near the complex. The project is
developed, the site is prepared for construction.

On June 15, 2018, Shavkat Mirziyoyev
laid a symbolic cornerstone in the foundation of the building of the Center for
Islamic Civilization.

The Head of the state congratulated
the religious figures, as well as all the compatriots with Ramadan Hayit, who
gathered at the event, and noted the deep symbolism of the beginning of
construction of this center on this bright holiday.

The purpose of erecting this center
is to study enlightened Islam, to bring the great heritage of our ancestors to
our people, the international community. Insha Allah, all our efforts will help
educate youth, develop science and culture, strengthen peace and tranquility,
said the President.

The main idea of the center, which
will operate under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan,
is to fight against ignorance through enlightenment, propagating the legacy of
our great ancestors who made a great contribution to the development of Islamic
culture.

For this purpose, scientific
research activity will be organized here, a museum will be organized. It is
envisaged to study the role of scientists and thinkers in the history of
civilization, widely propagandize their scientific and spiritual achievement,
high human qualities, deeply reveal the humanistic essence of creativity of
classics of literature and art masters.

The center’s building will be
erected in traditions of national architecture, in the form of a mosque with a
dome. The complex will include a library, information and resource center,
scientific departments, a conference hall, office facilities and others.

As owners of such a great heritage,
we are behind in science. Our initiatives are recognized by all Muslim
countries. Now it is necessary to be worthy of this and be an example in
erudition and enlightenment, said the Head of the state.

Recommendations were given on
strengthening the environment of mutual respect and care in society, pardoning
those who, through ignorance, have lost the right path, improving the skills of
imam-hatibs, increasing attention to educating youth.

* * *

On June 15, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev laid flowers at the monument to
the First President of Uzbekistan
Islam Karimov and paid tribute to his memory.

The surahs from the Quran and
prayers for the deceased were read.

* * *

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his last year’s visit to Tashkent city clinical
psychiatric hospital on June 26, gave instructions on construction and repair
of its buildings, improving conditions for patients.

On June 15, 2018, the Head of the
state again visited this clinic and got acquainted with accomplished activities
here.

4 new buildings were built on the
territory of the clinic, and remaining buildings were reconstructed and
repaired. Comfortable rooms, offices for individual work with patients are
equipped, modern diagnostic equipment is installed.

Activities in this direction will
continue. Necessary conditions have been created, and now, we need a specific
approach, said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Instructions were given on turning
this updated clinic into a base institution for other hospitals of this profile
in Uzbekistan,
development of methods of early warning and treatment of mental diseases,
establishment of cooperation with foreign scientific and medical institutions,
training and social support of specialists-psychiatrists.

* * *

On June 13, after a serious illness, a prominent religious figure, the
chief imam-hatib of Tashkent
city Anvar qori Tursunov passed away.

On June 15, the President of
Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the house of the deceased.

Surahs from the Quran were read.

The Head of the state expressed his
deep condolences to children and relatives of Anvar qori.

On June 15, the President of the Republic
of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev,
having participated in the opening ceremony of FIFA World Cup, returned to Tashkent.

The strongest 32 national teams of
the world are fighting for the victory in the most prestigious competition,
conducted by FIFA. Although the national team of Uzbekistan
is not participating in the championship, it will be judged by our compatriot,
FIFA referee Ravshan Irmatov, which pleases all people of Uzbekistan.

The strongest national teams, the
best players of the world will please the fans with their unique game within a
month.

After the opening ceremony of 2018
FIFA World Cup a match was held between the national teams of Russia and Saudi Arabia. Russia beat Saudi Arabia 5-0.

On June 16, 2018, the President of the Republic
of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev had a
telephone conversation with the President of the Republic of Turkey Recep
Tayyip Erdogan.

At the beginning of the conversation
the heads of states exchanged sincere congratulations and best wishes on the
occasion of Ramadan Hayit, which is a holiday of joy and thanksgiving,
generosity and kindness for the entire Muslim world.

The President of Turkey highly
appreciated the laying of the first stone in the foundation of the future
Center for Islamic Civilization in these bright days for the entire Muslim
world, in the city of Tashkent.
It was emphasized that this Center will make a great contribution to ensuring
development of enlightened Islam, as well as bringing to the international
community the great heritage of our ancestors.

The sides noted with deep
satisfaction the regular meetings and contacts at the highest level that
contribute to strengthening the bonds of friendship and strategic partnership
between the two countries.

Fruitful meetings and negotiations
held during the historic state visit of the President of the Republic of Turkey
to the Republic of Uzbekistan on April 29 – May 1 this year, as well as
concrete arrangements reached on their results and signed agreements on a wide
range of mutually beneficial cooperation will undoubtedly serve further
development and well-being of the two countries and people.

During the meeting, prospects of
expanding partnership in trade and economic, investment, banking and financial
spheres, development of transport, tourism and other infrastructure of the
country, as well as in other important areas were comprehensively discussed.

Views were exchanged on current
issues of regional and international agenda.

In conclusion, the heads of states
reaffirmed their readiness to comprehensively develop and strengthen the
multifaceted and mutually beneficial relations between Uzbekistan and Turkey, based on principles of
centuries-old friendship, brotherhood and mutual respect.

On Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan
negotiations on delimitation of the state border

On June 8-14, 2018, a regular meeting of the working groups of the
Government delegations of the two countries on the issues of delimitation and
demarcation of the State border between the Republic
of Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic
was held in Andijan.

Within the framework of the meeting, work was continued on describing
the passage of the line of Uzbekistan
– Kyrgyzstan border on areas
that remained outside the framework of the Treaty on Uzbekistan
– Kyrgyzstan State border of September 5, 2017.

The joint work was carried out on a constructive basis and in a friendly
atmosphere.

Uzbekistan – Moldova Inter-MFA political
consultations

On June 15, 2018, delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan
took part in Uzbekistan – Moldova political consultations at the level of
deputy ministers of foreign affairs, held in the city of Chisinau.

Together with the Moldovan
delegation led by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
European Integration of the Republic
of Moldova Tatiana Molchan,
the key issues of bilateral relations, in particular in such areas as
political, trade-economic, investment and cultural-humanitarian cooperation,
were discussed in detail.

Within the framework of the meeting,
the importance of intensifying the interaction between Uzbekistan and Moldova, which in recent years has
been limited mainly to the agenda of the UN General Assembly, was emphasized.

The sides noted the significant
potential for expanding cooperation in the areas of trade, agriculture,
tourism, academic exchanges between the educational institutions of the two
countries.

The issue of holding the next
meeting of Uzbekistan – Moldova Intergovernmental Commission on Expansion of
Cooperation, the last meeting of which was held 16 years ago in Tashkent, was
raised at the meeting.

Delegations of the foreign affairs
agencies of Uzbekistan and Moldova also
considered other issues of mutual interest.

* * *

On the same day, a meeting of
representatives of the ministries of foreign affairs of Uzbekistan and Moldova was held in Chisinau. An
inventory of the legal framework of bilateral relations was carried out. The
sides exchanged views on drafts of Uzbekistan
– Moldova
documents, which can be agreed upon and signed in the near future.

On June 14-15, 2018, the delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Uzbekistan, who arrived in Chisinau to participate in
Uzbekistan – Moldova inter-MFA political consultations, held meetings and
negotiations with the State secretaries of the Ministry of Economy and
Infrastructure Luliana Dragalin, the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional
Development and Environment Vasile Luca.

Perspective directions of expansion
of mutually beneficial cooperation between Uzbekistan
and Moldova
in various formats, filling bilateral relations with concrete practical content
were discussed.

Within the framework of political
consultations, a brief conversation was held with the Minister of Foreign
Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova
Tudor Ulianovschi.

For two days earlier this week, Tashkent and Samarkand
hosted an extensively represented international conference “The Role of Youth
in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalization Leading to
Terrorism”.

The event was organized by the
Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic
of Uzbekistan jointly with the Project
Coordinator of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
in Uzbekistan,
and the United Nations. Delegations from the United
States, Britain,
Germany, Spain, the Netherlands,
Latvia, Russia, China,
India, Japan, Malaysia,
Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Afghanistan,
foreign experts, as well as senators, deputies, activists of the Union of Youth
of Uzbekistan, scientists, and journalists took part in the forum.

The participants discussed political
and legal basis of combating violent extremism and radicalization that lead to
terrorism among the youth, increasing the growing generation’s role in the
process, consolidation of cooperation between the state and civil society,
prevention of propaganda of such vices on the internet and the media, as well
as building up consensus of the Central Asian nations in the field of science,
culture, sports in order to prevent the younger generation ending up in the
influence of those who are engaged in terrorism and violent extremism.

At present, violent extremism and
terrorism lead to the emergence of certain threats to the stable development
and interethnic harmony in the world. And this involves joint efforts to find
ways to eliminate them. For these purposes, a number of projects have been
implemented in recent years, contact groups are being established.

Uzbekistan views the fight against extremism and
radicalism as an important condition for ensuring global security, and is a
constant participant and initiator of this process.

The President of Uzbekistan Shavkat
Mirziyoyev repeatedly pointed out from high tribunes that the basis of
international terrorism and extremism are, along with other factors, ignorance
and intolerance, and the most critical task is to create awareness and
education of young people through enlightenment.

In particular, in September 2017,
the head of our state, during his speech at the 72nd session of the UN General
Assembly, stressed that ensuring conditions for the self-realization of youth
would create a barrier to the spread of the ‘virus’ of the ideology of
violence. In order to develop multilateral cooperation for social support of
the younger generation, protection of its rights and interests, it was proposed
to devise a UN International Convention on the Rights of Youth.

In their speeches the participants
of the international conference noted that this forum offers great
opportunities for the joint efforts of the regional and international level in
the development of comprehensive measures to combat factors leading to
terrorism among the younger generation.

In order to counter these factors,
the relevant decisions of the UN, OSCE and several other international
organizations have been adopted. These documents provide for the implementation
of a large-scale international mechanism to combat the propaganda of terrorism.
This, in turn, contributes to the development of national action programs and
the development of youth policy.

“The elaboration of such programs is
important,” said Shelley Inglis, head of the cluster of the UN regional office
in Istanbul.
“Peoples and nations of the world are distinct with their peculiarities in
culture, language, religion and way of life. Also, those who fall under the
influence of violent extremism and terrorism have their own approaches.
Therefore, it is necessary to jointly combat this vice by devising national programs
and strategies in the context of regions. Currently, more than 15 countries
have developed their national action programs. In the future, work in this
direction will be consistently continued.”

Critical situations, difficult
socio-economic state lead to an increase in unemployment among the population. As a result,
migration is growing among young people. This is to some extent characteristic
of the countries of Central Asia, as well.

The states of our region have
similar development trends. Only through the elaboration of integrated optimal
measures to prevent violent extremism and radicalization, the expansion of
cooperation among governments, the creation of effective immunity among young
people against the ideology of extremist activity, can positive results be
achieved.

Approaches and proposals in this
area were discussed in detail at the general sessions of the conference.

Thus, the state adviser of the
President of the Republic
of Uzbekistan on youth
issues – chairman of the Central Council of the Union of Youth of Uzbekistan
Kahramon Kuronboev noted that young people go abroad for various objective and
subjective reasons. As a result of migration, in an alien environment with a
foreign culture, the young generation falls under the influence of extremists.
The main task is to establish constant contact with young people abroad,
prevent them from falling under the influence of various perilous groups. In
such conditions, the struggle against various manifestations of violent
extremism and radicalization becomes more important than ever.

In our country, special attention is
paid to the implementation of youth policy. The constructive cooperation
established between governments and youth organizations of the countries of Central Asia and neighboring nations is the basis for the
actions being implemented in this area.

Media space has long been able to
turn into a factor that has a serious impact on the stimulation of certain
ideas, values ​​and beliefs. In particular, social networks offer such
opportunities. Distributors of destructive ideas use them for their own mercenary
purposes.

The internet has turned into the
main means for terrorists of searching, hiring, training recruits, collecting
money, organizing terrorist acts. New telecommunication technologies provide
opportunities for the rapid exchange of information, expanding the range of
activities and providing psychological impact.

One of the plenary sessions of the
forum was devoted to the prevention of violent extremism on the internet and
the media, where an urge was made on the media to promote interethnic harmony,
the principle of religious tolerance, and the consolidation of the spirit of
mutual respect. Within the framework of the conference, a presentation was made
of the information portal on combating extremism - stopterror.uz, created by
the Center for Regional Studies of Challenges with the assistance of the OSCE.

On June 12,the international conference
continued its work in the city of Samarkand.
And that was not accidental. On this sacred land, recognized as the pearl of
the East, a crossroads of the Silk Road, the
atmosphere of religious tolerance, interethnic unity reigns from time
immemorial. A special contribution to the development of the Islamic religion
was made by such great scientists as Imam Bukhari, Imam Moturudi, Khoja Ahror
Vali. It was here that the first mosque in Central Asia
– Khazrati Imam – was built.

At the moment, Samarkand offers ample opportunities for
representatives of diverse religions to carry out their religious rituals,
preserve their traditions. Representatives of more than 100 ethnic groups and
confessions live in the region in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual
understanding. About 10 national cultural centers operate.

Contributors to the international
conference talked with representatives of the national cultural centers of the
region, various religious confessions, got acquainted with their activities.

Then, during a general session, the
forum participants discussed Uzbekistan’s
experience in interethnic and interreligious relations.

The speeches underlined that in preventing
youth from joining the ranks of religious extremist movements, it is necessary
to explain to them the true essence of religion, and to raise their knowledge
in this sphere. Particular attention was paid to the work carried out in Uzbekistan in
this direction. In particular, an exchange of views took place on the political
and legal bases for countering violent extremism and radicalization leading to
terrorism, the partnership of the state and civil society in this process, and
the experience of Uzbekistan
in the sphere of interethnic and inter-confessional relations.

“Uzbekistan is a country of great
scientists who made a great contribution to the development of holy Islam,”
said Mohd Yusuf Khoji bin Usman, director of the Malaysian Institute of Islamic
Civilization. “It is recognized by the entire Muslim world. From this point of
view, the organization of conference in this country is of historic
significance. It is possible to learn the Uzbekistan experience in countering
religious extremism and terrorism, effectively using the power of enlightenment
and spirituality in protecting young people from these vices. In recent years,
such structures as the Center for Islamic Civilization and the International
Research Center of Imam Bukhari have been created here that will serve the
interests not only of Uzbekistan, but also the people all over the world and
help spread the propaganda of kindness, generosity and cohesion that are of
great importance in the Islamic religion.”

Participants of the international
forum visited the Roman Catholic and Armenian-Apostolic churches in the city of
Samarkand. They
also made a tour of the historical monuments and shrines downtown.

What conference participants have to say

Thomas Greminger,

OSCE Secretary General

- We must not lose sight of the fact
that the threats of violent extremism and its consequences - terrorism - have
always existed in the territory of Central Asia, the
CIS countries. It is necessary to coordinate all efforts and fight these
phenomena. But in this process it is important not to limit human rights in
freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, freedom of the media.

Recently, I personally witnessed
that in the process of reforming society in Central Asia, especially in Uzbekistan,
great importance is attached to the prevention of threats of terrorism. The
main factor is the creation of decent living conditions for young people,
education. These are positive steps.

In combating terrorism and
extremism, it is essential to cash in the potential of youth, recognize their
role and place in society. It is crucial to hear the voice of the younger
generation, provide them with all-round assistance, protect from threats. In
this regard, the reforms carried out in the last two years in Uzbekistan are
indicative.

Sodik SAFOEV,

First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of Oliy Majlis:

- In recent years, the method of
using force in countering terrorism and extremism has not justified itself. It
should be noted that ignorance and hostility are based on terrorist conflicts.
About 300 thousand teenagers under the age of 18 years around the world
participate in military operations. Of these, 80% are boys and girls under 15
years of age. Back in 2000, the average age of immigrants from European
countries that joined terrorist groups was 28, whereas today it is 20.
Considering the fact that on average 2 billion young people live on our planet,
this is a very significant and urgent problem.

The priority direction of the youth
policy implemented in Uzbekistan
is the proper formation of the consciousness and ideology of the youth. This
international conference confirmed once again that the struggle for the
consciousness of youth in our country is a priority.

Antonio ALONSO,

Professor of the University of San Pablo (Spain):

- Our country is countering
terrorism and extremism, building on several principles. First of all, it is
counteraction to terrorism. In this direction, a mechanism has been formed, and
its main key factors are implemented in thematic projects, cooperation among organizations
on information security, advocacy and awareness-raising, helplines.

Yu Zhegan,

member of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (China):

- The aggression of international
terrorist organizations is mounting. Terrorists seek to have more weapons of
mass destruction, and in order to achieve their goals, they use the latest
achievements in high technologies, conduct active propaganda, expand the ranks
of militants. In such a dangerous situation, a single country cannot confront terrorism
and extremism alone. Therefore, it is impossible to ensure peace and security
without international cooperation.

Over the past five years, China has been
consistently combating terrorism and extremism in its territory on the basis of
national legislation. At the same time, it is particularly active in
international cooperation on this front. Our country has joined the 12
international conventions on countering terrorism and extremism.

Kanging GO,

adviser on political issues of the Counter-Terrorism Center
under the UN Counter-Terrorism Department:

- It should be noted that to date
the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has paid special attention to
reforming the organization’s activities in accordance with the needs of young
people and support for them.

It’s no secret that at present
terrorism turns to cyberspace, using high technologies to radicalize youth. So,
in countering terrorism and extremism, we must first of all increase digital
propaganda.

The established atmosphere and
parental control play an important role in preventing terrorism and extremism
among young people. It should be recognized that family values ​​and traditions
of upbringing that have been formed in the Central Asian region since time
immemorial serve as a model for other states of the world.